Mech games don’t seem to come around very often anymore. This simple fact was dismissive to me, until I realized just how fun fighting as a giant landscape-destroying robot can be.

I’ve always considered myself a very open minded, slow-to-judge individual. But this personality trait is not so true when it comes to breaking the seal on a brand new video game and placing it into my Xbox 360 disc tray for the first time. I’ve always been drawn to my favorite genres of games, and quite afraid of branching out past my comfort levels. Unfortunately, in a world where some genres start to blend, and others re-appear after years of hibernation, a reviewer of games must eventually branch out into the unknown.

One style of game that’s always possessed a special niche in the industry, but seemingly disappeared in recent years is the mech warrior genre. While the ability to control a megaton mechanical warrior might seem appealing to the casual gamer at first, these games have always been notorious not only for their level of difficulty, but also for the ability to fully customize. Because of the extreme learning curve involved, mech games have never taken grasp on the mainstream gamers around the world. Basically, in order to fully enjoy a mech game, you must be a fan of the genre or series already.

With that said, the freshly released Armored Core for Answer seems to fall whole heartedly into the same mould as any other mech game ever created. The Armored Core series has been around for an extremely long time, and faithful fans still sweat with excitement when new additions are announced. The concept is fantastic, with excessively large mech robots stomping and boosting about, raining down terror in the form of mounds of missiles. For some reason though, the actual gameplay of Armored Core always seems to fall slightly short of what might be expected from such a conceptually intense idea.

The launch video that takes place after the disc loads is worth watching at least 39 times. It’s almost as if you are watching a high-end CG film, with a building sense of foreboding that explodes into sheer excitement and entertainment before your eyes. If you never decide to purchase this game or play it at a friend’s, at least take the time to look up the starting video online. ]

After the shock and awe from the first video dies down, players are given a number of options to choose from at the main screen. These options are typical of most video games today, with a campaign mode, options adjustment, and multiplayer mode. After launching campaign, the player can choose from a number of factions to start out with, which will also dictate what style of mech you are able to use and customize. Another video commences with the sole purpose of establishing the storyline, although you’ll quickly learn that the story in Armored Core games has never been a strong suite.

The story seems intriguing at first. Your character is essentially a mercenary doing business on a desolate, environmentally unsafe Earth of the future. Warring factions of people battle for supremacy, while the remaining survivors of Earth now live in floating “cradles” that are absolutely huge in size. Throughout the game, you’ll find yourself fighting for whoever is willing to pay more, so the initial choice of faction really only dictates what type of mech you wind up with for the remainder of the game. Unfortunately, besides an occasional cut scene, the story is left fairly detached from actual gameplay perspectives. Once a level launches, you’ll find yourself scampering along the massive areas, hunting enemies on your radar, and destroying anything you possibly can. Any fleeting remainder of a storyline will be disintegrated when you dive into your first customization session.

Speaking of customization, Armored Core for Answer is far from lacking, even when compared to previous games in the franchise history. When I initially launched the customization section, I was taken aback at how intricately detailed the system is. Not only can you customize your mech’s color scheme, you can also customize each and every single individual component of the mech itself. If you feel so inclined, you can change the joints holding the parts together to a lovely shade of pink. There is also an option to add pattern effects to your mech, which, if you use enough colors, can really play with the eyes. Beyond simple colors, the player can dig even deeper and customize a vast range of other much more technical features that dictate your mech’s overall performance. Players can even create personalized emblems for their mechanical warriors, or save different color templates that they might like.

Controls can get a bit awkward when experiencing a game with such a quick set pace. A number of times I found myself guessing and pressing whichever button I thought might work, only to witness my mech’s weapons change while my enemies pummeled me with bullets. The flying mechanic fit well on the left trigger, but the quick boost ability felt awkward when used often. Once the game is played enough, the buttons are sure to become much less of an issue.

Graphically, I was satisfied with the mech styles, as well as the cut scenes, but the overall environments were marginally bland and generally boring. The multiplayer map layouts seemed very intriguing at first, but also failed to hold my full attention for long. One satisfying factor involved in every environment is the ability to blow up structures that might be in your way. When battling, it was extremely satisfying to witness pieces of a building fall away around me as my enemies launched their full-on assault.

Besides the campaign missions, players can also take part in certain “side missions” that allow you to battle boss-like enemies and earn new items and features to utilize during mech customization. During some missions, the player can even invite a friend into the foray and play cooperatively for the good of making money. These missions can be especially fun, because nothing can be better than flying around large areas in giant war machines with a friend to enjoy the experience with. The online multiplayer is standard, as expected, with all the typical modes of most online experiences. Unfortunately, the fact that Armored Core has always been a niche franchise will hamper the online traffic for this game.

With impressive cut scenes, expansive environments, and an unbelievable arsenal of mechanical warriors at your disposal, Armored Core for Answer is sure to give any player a burst of fun and excitement. The true love for this game will come from the faithful fans that have already boosted their way to the local game store to pick this title up. If your open minded, love mechs, enjoy action, or crave customization, then Armored Core for Answer is a title made for you.

Gameplay: 7.0
Fast paced and explosive, the action is roaring at first, but battles can become slightly repetitive after a while. Luckily, the developers varied mission objectives frequently enough to stun the repetition.  

Graphics: 6.5
The cut scenes are surprisingly good looking, especially the initial cut scene that occurs when the game boots. Unfortunately, the environments are generally stale in comparison.

Sound: 7.0
AI interaction is great during battles, and the characters speaking to you through your mech are informative about enemies and mission objectives.

Difficulty: Hard
The learning curve for newcomers to this franchise might be a bit steep, but once learning is completed, the game can become very satisfying.  

Concept: 7.0
Mech games never get enough love, and Amored Core for Answer is sure to receive the same lack of overall attention.

Multiplayer: 5.0
While battling against friends online is sweet, sweet bliss, battling against friends online in a massive mechanical warrior is all the more sweet. It’s too bad Armored Core’s niche effect restricts simply because of a lack of players to compete with.   

Overall: 7.0
Armored Core for Answer will completely satisfy any fans of the series thus far, and will even do the job for action or mech fans in general. Newcomers to the mech genre might find themselves lost in the customization options and level of difficulty presented.